Triumph Speed Triple 1050 RS (2018-2020): A Streetfighter That Rewrites the Rules

When Triumph unleashed the Speed Triple in 1994, it didn’t just create a motorcycle—it invented an entire category. The 2018–2020 Speed Triple 1050 RS represents the zenith of this legacy, blending British engineering audacity with track-bred aggression. After spending time with this machine, it’s clear: this isn’t just a naked bike. It’s a declaration of war on compromise.

Design & Styling: Brutalist Art on Two Wheels

The Speed Triple RS looks like it’s moving even when parked. The 2018–2020 refresh sharpened its already iconic silhouette with surgical precision. Twin LED headlights—the motorcycle equivalent of a predator’s unblinking stare—frame an air intake that looks ready to swallow city blocks whole. The matte black or crystal white finishes (with red pinstriping on RS models) amplify its minimalist menace.

That single-sided swingarm isn’t just for show. Machined from billet aluminum, it’s a structural haiku—lightweight yet rigid, exposing the 190-section rear tire like a flexed muscle. The under-seat exhausts? Pure theater. These aren’t mere pipes; they’re megaphones for Triumph’s triple-cylinder symphony, exiting stage left with stainless steel flair.

Engine & Performance: Controlled Fury

At the heart beats Triumph’s 1050cc inline-three, now featuring 104 new components over previous generations. The numbers—148 hp at 10,500 rpm and 117 Nm (86 lb-ft) of torque at 7,150 rpm—only tell half the story. This engine doesn’t just make power; it weaponizes it.

• Throttle Response: Ride-by-wire delivers instantaneity. Crack it open in Sport mode, and the front wheel writes sonnets to the sky
• Midrange Punch: 90% of peak torque arrives by 3,150 rpm—enough to blur landscapes from any gear
• Soundtrack: The Arrow silencers (RS exclusive) emit a bass-heavy growl that evolves into a metallic shriek at the redline

Fuel economy? A claimed 5.2 L/100 km (45 mpg), though spirited riding might see that double. The 15.5L tank provides about 250 km (155 miles) of real-world range—enough between adrenaline fixes.

Chassis & Handling: Scalpel Meets Sledgehammer

The aluminum twin-spar frame—a direct descendant of Triumph’s Daytona superbike—creates a 1,445 mm (56.9") wheelbase that’s both stable at 200+ km/h (124 mph) and flickable through switchbacks. Combine this with:

• Öhlins Suspension: 43mm NIX30 forks (120mm travel) and TTX36 monoshock (130mm) offer damping adjustability worthy of a WSBK machine
• Brembo Brakes: Dual 320mm discs with M4.34 monobloc calipers deliver stoppies on demand (ABS optional via left-hand toggle)
• Weight Distribution: 189 kg (416 lbs) dry mass sits low, creating a 49.5/50.5 front/rear balance that forgives ham-fisted inputs

The riding position? Aggressively neutral. The 825 mm (32.5") seat height accommodates most riders, while the tapered handlebars offer leverage without sacrificing comfort.

Electronics & Tech: Street-Smart Intelligence

The 5" TFT dashboard is a masterclass in usability. During testing, switching between Ride Modes (Rain/Road/Sport/Track/Custom) became intuitive within minutes. Key highlights:

• Cornering ABS & TC: Powered by a Continental IMU, it intervenes transparently—no sudden jolts mid-lean
• Keyless Ignition: RS models add this convenience (with a physical override)
• Cruise Control: Unexpected but welcome on highway stretches
• Tire Pressure Monitoring: Uses direct sensors, not rotational calculations

Competition: The RS in the Colosseum

How does Triumph’s gladiator fare against rivals?

| Model | Power | Torque | Weight (Dry) | Suspension | Price (Used, 2023) | |--------------------|-------------|----------|--------------|--------------------|---------------------| | Speed Triple RS | 148 hp | 117 Nm | 189 kg | Öhlins Fully Adj. | $12,000–$14,000 | | Ducati Streetfighter V4 | 208 hp | 123 Nm | 180 kg | Öhlins/Sachs Semi | $18,000–$20,000 | | BMW S1000R | 165 hp | 114 Nm | 177 kg | Dynamic ESA | $13,500–$15,500 | | KTM 1290 Super Duke R | 177 hp | 140 Nm | 189 kg | WP Apex Semi-Active| $14,000–$16,000 |

Ducati Streetfighter V4: More power, less soul. The V4’s clinical efficiency lacks the Triumph’s analog thrill.
BMW S1000R: Tech-laden but sanitized—the German answer to a question the RS never asked.
KTM 1290 Super Duke R: Brute-force torque meets Austrian madness. Less precise, more hooligan.

The Triumph’s sweet spot? Balancing track-day precision with daily usability. It’s the only bike here that’s equally at home carving canyons and commuting.

Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Tamed

Here’s where MOTOPARTS.store becomes your pit crew:

• Oil Changes: Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles). Use 10W-40 or 10W-50 synthetic (3.2L with filter). Our performance oil kits include OEM-spec filters.
• Valve Checks: Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles). Intake: 0.10–0.20 mm (0.004–0.008"), exhaust: 0.20–0.30 mm (0.008–0.012").
• Chain Care: 108-link X-ring chain needs adjustment every 500 km (310 miles). Our chain maintenance bundle includes a laser-aligned tool.
• Brake Service: Replace Brembo pads at 15,000 km (9,300 miles). Upgrade to sintered pads for track use.
• Coolant Flush: Every 2 years. Our pre-mixed coolant matches Triumph’s corrosion inhibitors.

The Verdict: Modern Classic, Future Legend

The 2018–2020 Speed Triple RS doesn’t just ride—it performs. From the way the triple’s torque punches out of corners to the Öhlins’ telepathic damping, this is a machine that flatters experts and tutors intermediates. Yes, the TFT could be larger, and the quickshifter is a paid upgrade. But these are footnotes in a love letter to motorcycling’s golden age.

In a world increasingly dominated by electronic nannies and homogenized designs, the Speed Triple RS remains gloriously, unapologetically raw. It’s not just the best Streetfighter of its generation—it’s a benchmark that will haunt its successors.

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Specifications sheet

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